The Acheson Group
Disease Fact Sheets
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fact Sheet
What is RSV?
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is an RNA virus that commonly causes mild cold-like symptoms after entering the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It spreads easily through the air via droplets from an infected person. Typical transmission is 3-8 days, but is possible up to 4 weeks. More infections occur in cold months, but they can occur year round. RSV persists on hard surfaces contaminated with the droplets, so touching a surface then one’s eyes, nose, or mouth can cause infection. Vaccine development research
Why Should I Care about RSV?
- Repeat RSV infections are common.
- Serious complications can occur in infants and elderly, e.g., pneumonia, inflammation of the lungs’ small airways, dehydration. May require hospitalization.
- ~2.1M outpatient visits; 235,000 hospitalizations; 14,000 deaths annually in U.S.
- 1-2 weeks generally needed for recovery.
- CURRENT INCREASE is speculated as due to the relaxation of COVID protections and lack of previous exposure. In October 2022, the US CDC surveillance revealed that some U.S. regions were nearing peak case levels.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF RSV
What Do I Do About Respiratory Syncytial Virus?
- Ask ill persons to stay home and keep isolated from others as much as possible.
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces that may be contaminated with respiratory droplets from an infected person.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
- Practice respiratory hygiene – covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
- Care for cold-like symptoms as directed by medical professionals.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms do not resolve within a week or two or become more serious.
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